Founding Member Resigns from Rastriya Swatantra Party Citing Mismanagement and Corruption

Kathmandu. Khem Kumari Bhurtel (Urmila), a founding member of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and a direct candidate in the last general election, has resigned from the party, ceasing to be even an ordinary member. She announced her resignation expressing dissatisfaction with the party's working style.

In her resignation letter, she wrote: 'I am a founding member of the RSP, one of the 11 female direct candidates in the 2079 BS elections, and the only female candidate from Madhes Province. Until today, I have continuously contributed selflessly to the party, dedicating my qualifications, capabilities, expertise, and time. However, the party has become engrossed in sycophancy and financial dealings against its rules and regulations, limiting capable women and youth only to slogans. Areas requiring responsibility have been neglected, corruption has increased within the party, and I have experienced that the methodology adopted by the party regarding the upcoming election on Falgun 21, the party's decisions, and working style are completely contrary to the founding values, party bylaws, and public commitments of the RSP.'

Bhurtel stated: 'The contributions of capable 'Ghanti' (Bell symbol) friends who worked day and night in the organization have not been properly evaluated, activities contrary to rules and regulations have occurred, the party's principles have not been implemented in practice, and fundamentally, the situation has arisen where my self-respect and political values are compromised because party decisions are inspired by financial irregularities. The party ranks and the general public are also aware of the contributions I made to build the party when it was in crisis. Being in the Rastriya Swatantra Party, I cannot be accountable to the citizens, and therefore, I am unable to remain silent while witnessing all these activities.'